But as he took part in talks over the huge role, Malek admits that he was open with producer Graham King about his true musical abilities, or more accurately, lack thereof.

“We sat down for a six hour meeting and he’d really only seen me in Mr Robot, where I played this profoundly alienated, socially anxious human being who’s a pretty far cry from Freddie Mercury,” Malek told Deadline.

Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’

“Graham saw something in me with Dennis O’Sullivan, and gave me a shot. I said, ‘listen, I’m not a singer. I don’t play the piano. I move in a very interesting way on a dancefloor – I don’t know if I’d call it rhythm.’

“But somehow, I just said, ‘if I have the time, I can get there. If you help me out with the things I need’.”

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Ultimately, King’s faith paid off – with Malek being tipped as an Oscar contender for his acclaimed turn as the legendary singer.

Describing his singing voice in the film, Malek previously explained: “It is an amalgamation of a few voices.

“But predominantly it is my hope and the hope of everyone that we will hear as much Freddie as possible. I think that is the goal for all of us.”